India cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar has slammed the media of Old Powers, calling them ‘perennial cribbers’ for signaling that BCCI secretary Jay Shah forced Greg Barclay to step down from his ICC chief role.

Greg Barclay revealed earlier this month that he would step down as ICC chairman at the end of his third term on November 30. Following the development, BCCI secretary Jay Shah emerged as the front-runner to take up the position in the world governing body.  

Not only does he have the support of his fellow ICC board members, but he is also expected to be the sole candidate running for the position. Jay Shah is yet to file his nomination with August 27 being the deadline.

Sunil Gavaskar not only projected a global benefit for cricket if Jay Shah took up the role, but also launched a stinging attack on the 'Old Powers' of international cricket for suggesting that he compelled Barclay to resign from his ICC position.

“In all probability, Jay Shah will be the next ICC president. Just as he has done for Indian cricket, both men and women, players worldwide will benefit. When Greg Barclay announced his decision not to go for a third term, which he was entitled to, there were reports in the media of the Old Powers that Barclay’s decision had been forced by Shah.

Only when the perennial cribbers were questioned about what the representatives of their Old Powers were doing did it suddenly occur to them that if indeed Barclay was forced to not seek a third term, then what were their own representatives at the ICC doing at the meeting?” Gavaskar wrote in Sportstar.

The great Indian batter went on to criticize the Old Powers, claiming that their criticism sprang solely from the realization that they would no longer have control over the game.

“Where were their voices of objection? And if there were none, then they were as culpable as the one they were unnecessarily pointing a finger at. It’s called the Tall poppy syndrome as well as the realization that they don’t run the international game anymore,” Gavaskar added.

The experienced Indian batter went on to credit the "terrific teamwork" between the players and those in the BCCI management for cricket's success in India.

"The way Indian cricket has shaped up over the years is also a tribute to the BCCI and its administration. The kind of cricket that the teams, both men and women, have been playing is another huge reason why the sport is flourishing in India. If the team was not winning, the sponsors would stay away. Terrific teamwork from both the players and the administrators explains why Indian cricket is in such a healthy state. May it always remain so," he wrote.